Afghan media push bill to ensure access to information

When we
report on Afghanistan, it’s often about something horrific—a deadly
explosion, a murder, a kidnapping. But when you ask many Afghan journalists
about the biggest challenge they face daily, it’s not danger or harassment that
they cite. Although Article
50 of the Afghanistan Constitution guarantees access to public information,
journalists say that obtaining such information from the government is their
greatest ongoing concern.

So dozens media and civil
society organizations, timing their effort to the July 21 international
conference in Kabul, have pressed the government
to pass legislation to ensure access to public information. Their proposed bill would:

Ensure the right to information
that is either held by or under the control of public and private bodies,
including assistance providers and subcontractors.

Provide fines and sanctions for
officials who withhold public information.

Publicize the procedures for
getting information and specify the responsibilities of civil servants.

Ensure the right to photocopy
original documents so individuals can study the information on their own.

Despite enormous challenges, the Afghan press corps is dynamic
and the media landscape burgeoning. Afghanistan is home to more than 20
privately owned TV stations, scores of FM radio stations, and a vibrant print
media centered in Kabul. Afghanistan’s literacy rate is only about 12 percent
according to the United Nations, so broadcast news predominates.

For journalists and others, the
next step is to push the right-to-information proposal through the legislature
and get it turned into a law. Even with all the battles Afghan journalists face
on a daily basis, it’s an important task. And then once there is a law affirming
their constitutional rights, they will have to convince government officials to
honor it. And that will be a whole other battle.

Bob Dietz, coordinator of CPJ’s Asia Program, has reported across the continent for news outlets such as CNN and Asiaweek. He has led numerous CPJ missions, including ones to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Follow him on Twitter @cpjasia and Facebook @ CPJ Asia Desk.